Rockingham set to scorch again (Round One WSBL Preview)
Rockingham Flames will be desperate to put a wretched 2011 campaign behind them when they begin the women's State Basketball League season against Lakeside Lightning.
The Flames finished with the wooden spoon and won just two games last year after losing a pair of key players, Casey Haggar and 2010 WSBL MVP Kaye Tucker on the eve of the season.
But the star duo's return for this season has sparked optimism for big improvement, which they'll be keen to begin with a win against a young Lightning side on Friday.
Another team looking to improve on a disappointing campaign is Perth Redbacks, who face 2011 finalists Kalamunda Eastern Suns and Cockburn Cougars.
The Redbacks disappointed with a 7-15 record which saw them miss the playoffs last year but should improve under a new coach, former Perth Wildcats player Glenn Ellis.
Although the Cougars and Suns have both lost key players, both should provide a tough test as they'll be desperate to show they can be top eight sides once again.
Kalamunda also meets Wanneroo Wolves, who have lost key guard Rebecca Mercer but replaced her with fellow WNBL player Nikita Martin in an effort to improve on their fifth place finish in 2011.
Wanneroo also hosts Cockburn, last year's seventh seed, on Sunday.
Perennial contenders Perry Lakes Hawks are another side that have lost a key part of their core group from last season and they face an early test against the Mandurah Magic on Friday.
Tanya Kelly has departed the Hawks, although they retained fellow starter Tegan Walker at the last minute, while Mandurah has also been weakened by the loss of All-Star Casey Mihovilovich.
Willetton Tigers begin their title defence against Stirling at home on Saturday and they'll begin as heavy favourites against a young Senators side.
Willetton has lost much of the group that has led it to three consecutive titles, including Kate Malpass, Zoe Harper and Ebony Antonio, but has recruited WNBL players Cortney Hargreaves and Lara Napier and will certainly be among the championship contenders once again.
Losing Grand Finalists East Perth Eagles, who've retained the bulk of their impressive side from last season, play Lakeside at home on Saturday.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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